The YB Team are no strangers to mushing events and were delighted to be tracking Finnmarksløpet FL-1200: the Norwegian national championship for long distance - open class event.
Finnmarksløpet was first organized in 1981 with three contestants. There were few rules and the mushers were out on their own. Back then mushing was a sport for a few dedicated people. Today mushing is a sport that engages thousands of people.
As the years passed the race grew, both in contestants and audience. In 1985 there were two race classes; in 1992 the length grew to 1000km and 12 dogs as a maximum. In 2000 the open class was extended to 14 dogs; finally, in 2018, the race extended to 1200km.
In 2001 Finnmarskløpet AS was established as a race organisation. From then on the race has become more professional. What used to be a small event organised by mushers is now the largest annual sport and cultural event in the region.
Finnmarksløpet has become a symbol that unites the people in the region in celebration. NRK (The Norwegian national broadcaster) has daily bulletins from the race and the interest has escalated. The TV program has a national market share of 33%.
The race viewer receives has about 1 million visitors during the race. This is due to people checking the YB3 GPS trackers and following the contestants live as the race unfolds.
Congratulations to the 2022 winner of FL-1200 - Thomas Waerner and his dogs. Looking forward to upcoming events from these guys, and congratulations on an absolutely inspirational event.
Check out Finnmarksløpet's website for more information: https://www.finnmarkslopet.no/
Photography @mickpankov & @trastiogtrine